Serious overnight boat accident leaves one dead

(CMR) Cayman Marl Road is receiving messages this morning of a boat accident last evening. The accident occurred shortly before 10:00 pm and involved two vessels. We have been able to confirm that at least three of the six persons involved sustained injuries; leaving one person dead.

Early reports are that the incident occurred in the vicinity of the Harbour House Marina involving Pepper Jelly, a 32-foot boat. Pepper Jelly allegedly hit another boat belonging to Caymanian Emmanuel Brown; causing it to capsize. Sources indicate that Brown's boat was attempting to turn into the marina when the impact happened. Each boat is said to have had three persons on board.

Early reports are that all three passengers on board Pepper Jelly are fine with minor foot injuries, but they managed to swim ashore with another female boater whilst holding onto a cooler.

Brown's vessel which also had three passengers on board – all of them sustaining significant injuries. One female passenger, apparently his girlfriend, was taken to the Cayman Islands hospital for treatment. We understand her condition is critical. CMR sources indicate that shes' a twin and has no family in Cayman.

An elderly UK man (70) was pronounced dead shortly after EMT personnel arrived on the scene. We will not name him at this time.

Emmanuel Brown (Manny), is still missing. A search and rescue effort was conducted by officers from the Fire Service, Joint Marine Unit, and Air Operations Unit but was suspended shortly before 4:00 am today, 12 August, due to poor visibility. The search resumed at 6:00 am and remains ongoing.

Brown is a well-known 49-year-old local business owner and a police officer. He owns a watersports water park business, Jungle Float.

Search and rescue efforts pleas have also been posted on social media with requests for small boat owners to assist in locating Brown were announced this morning. If you are an owner of a shallow-draft boat, jet ski, or similar vessel, and are willing to assist, please contact the Joint Marine Unit by phone at 649-7710.

At this point, this is considered a developing story and we will report and update this story once more when information is available.